Kickboxer Scott Marsden, 14, dies after suffering injuries during title fight in Leeds

A 14-year-old kickboxer who collapsed during an English title fight in Leeds has died. Scott Marsden needed urgent medical attention during the competition on Saturday and was taken to hospital where his condition was described as critical. Leeds Martial Arts College paid tribute to the “true champion”. The teenager had been kickboxing since the age of four and was a pupil at Forge Valley secondary school in Sheffield.

Scotty will always be in our hearts & our thoughts & we miss you dearly.

Leeds Martial Arts College

Marden’s All Styles Kickboxing club described on Facebook how the fight came to be stopped, writing: “Unfortunately, (Saturday) night’s English title fight had to be stopped due to Scotty needing immediate medical attention. There was no way to foresee the fight ending in such a way as at no point were either ever in any overwhelming danger from each other. Everyone is still in shock as there were simply no signs to suggest the fight needed to be stopped. The referee stepped in to protect Scott as soon as he could, which meant Scott did not hit the canvas and was laid down and straight into recovery position.” Police are investigating the circumstances of his death, but have said they are not treating it as suspicious.

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